EDUCATION (EDU)

Degree offered: B.A. or B.S.

Judson's teacher education program is approved by the Alabama State Department of Education and follows the standard requirements for all teacher education programs throughout Alabama. Program completers from the Judson College Teacher Education Program for the previous academic year reported a 100% pass rate on both the Basic Skills Assessment and the Praxis II exam.  The Education Department Handbook detailing specific requirements for each teaching field may be obtained from the Education Department Chairman.

Teacher Certification. The preparation of teachers is a responsibility shared by all divisions of the college and in keeping with the institutional purpose to develop the intellectual, spiritual, cultural, physical and social maturity of students. Judson, therefore, seeks to produce teachers that will continue this objective by example and by instruction in both private and public education. The college provides the following teaching fields of teacher education which fulfill the curriculum requirements for an Alabama Class B Professional Certificate:

Elementary Education K-6

Secondary Education
          General Science Education 6-12
          Language Arts Education 6-12
          Mathematics Education 6-12
          Social Science Education 6-12

Music Education P-12 (vocal / choral only)

Alternative Baccalaureate-Level Certification Program. Judson College participates in the superintendent-driven Alternative Baccalaureate-Level Certification Program for 6-12 teaching fields using the following courses as appropriate for State Department of Education requirements. A transcript evaluation must be made before application to Judson's program.

EDU 313 Behavioral and Classroom Management (3 hours) 
EDU 412 Materials and Methods of Teaching English/Language Arts in Secondary School OR (3 hours) 
EDU 413 Materials and Methods of Teaching Mathematics in Secondary School OR (3 hours) 
EDU 415 Materials and Methods of Teaching General Science in Secondary School OR (3 hours) 
EDU 416  Materials and Methods of Teaching Social Science in Secondary School  
EDU 402 Exceptional Children 
EDU 406 Evaluation of Learning and Teaching 
You may request additional information from the State Department of Education.

Admission Requirements to Teacher Education Program:

1. Fifty-six (56) semester hours of college studies in a general studies program
2. A written application submitted to the Teacher Education Committee
3. A minimum score of 18 on the ACT and/or acceptable GPA scores as determined by the office of the Vice President and Academic Dean 
4. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 overall, in professional studies, and in the teaching field
5. A passing score on the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program (APTTP)
6. Satisfactory Interview with the Teacher Education Committee
7. Completion of Block I coursework including EDU 201, EDU 204, and EDU 402
8. Submission and approval of fingerprints through the Alabama Bureau of Investigation
9. Proof of professional liability insurance submitted to the certification officer

Retention Requirements of Teacher Education Program:

1. Maintain a 2.5 GPA overall, in professional studies, and in the teaching field
2. Earn a grade of C or better in all professional studies courses
3. Complete the program within a four-year period after admission to the program
4. Disposition

Admission to Student Internship:

     1.   Completion of 210 field experience hours
     2.   Written application to enter internship
     3.   Completion of all coursework with a grade of C or better
            in professional and teaching field courses
     4.   Passing score on the Praxis exam

Degree completion requirements:

     1.   Successful submission of E-portfolio
    2.   Successful oral exit exam
    3.   Grade of "B" or better in internship 
    4.   Satisfactory completion of a State approved program with a minimum GPA of 2.50 in the teaching field, and             2.50 in professional studies with no grade below a C in professional studies courses. 

Complete details are available in the Education Department Handbook and the Teacher Education Clinical Practice Handbook.  Since requirements for State Certification are different from Judson graduation requirements, eligibility for certification rests with the individual student. As the State Department makes changes, it becomes the responsibility of the student to meet the new standards as they become effective. Judson College shall provide remediation at no cost to such individuals who are recommended by the college and are deemed to be unsatisfactory based on performance evaluations established by the State Board of Education and within two years after program completion.

Teacher Education Course Requirements. Course requirements vary in Teacher Education depending upon the field of interest selected. A student majoring in education, in cooperation with her advisor, must develop a specific Program of Study after completing 15 semester hours. One copy of this program (checklist) is for the student, and one copy for the advisor. The Education Department Handbook will provide detailed guidelines. 

Teacher candidates are required to complete 210 field experience hours as part of their Block coursework prior to internship.  These field hours are designed to allow students rich experiences in diverse settings.  Please see the  Education Department Handbook for a list of school systems in which placements occur each semester.